Russkii pravoslavnyi krest v sobranii Rossiiskoi etnograficheskogo muzeia (Russian Orthodox Crosses in the Collection of the Russian Ethnography Museum)
St. Petersburg: Rossiiskii etnograficheskii muzei, 2007. sewn pb., The authors focus on the art-historical aspects of the cross in Russia, tracing its development from Byzantine forms to distinctive Russian styles, such as four-, six, and eight-sided variants, a generalized almost abstract image of Christ at variance with realistic depiction of the crucifixion in the West. Materials used — gold, silver, precious stones — and techniques show a gnerally high level of applied and decorative artists. Works date from the fifteenth to the twentieth centuries; churches of the seventeenth and eighteenth centturies are most numerous. Extensive entries for each work identify metals and stones, note date, size and inscriptions, and describe techniques and decorative elements. Research articles on the building of the collection and the typology of crosses, and detailed catalogue entries including inscriptions make this a definitive source on an object of ritual, costume and art. 348 pp., 9 1/2 x 9 1/2 ins., 160 b-&-w illus. 184 color, sewn pb., Rus. Item #522
ISBN: 9785894680385
Section headings: crosses worn around the neck: the primary form of individual shrine; symbolism and function of the cross; crosses as home shrines; encolpion as an early form of cross; heyday of crosses; unity of composition in crosses; difference between Orthodox crosses and Western European ones; cross as the tree of life; cross as crucifixion; cross as the sun of apostolic church; numerical significance; new forms of cross; Old Believer crosses; center of Old Believer forging; cross as ornament.
Price: $68.00